Raised keys on a miniature keyboard

ABSTRACT

A miniature keyboard wherein the keys are arranged in a way to improve data entry and decrease the chance of depressing multiple keys at a time. Accordingly, the height of the keys are patterned to decrease the chance of multiple key depressions thus increasing the accuracy of data input into the personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated down the individual rows of keys. In another embodiment, the height of the keys is alternated across individual columns of keys. Similarly, in another embodiment, the heights of the keys are arranged in a checkered pattern on the keyboard. In addition, another embodiment staggers the heights of the keys and incorporates embodiments mentioned above. By incorporating different key arrangements and alternating the height of the keys, key differentiation, key navigation, and data input accuracy is greatly improved due to the improved tactile feedback provided by the miniature keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the field of data inputdevices. More particularly, the present invention relates to the fieldof keypad data input devices.

2. Related Art

A personal digital assistant (commonly referred to as a PDA) is aportable computer system. It is appreciated that the personal digitalassistant is a portable handheld device that is used as an electronicorganizer which has the capability to store a wide range of informationthat includes daily appointments, numerous telephone numbers of businessand personal acquaintances, and various other information. Furthermore,the personal digital assistant has the ability to connect to a personalcomputer system, enabling the two devices to exchange updatedinformation. Additionally, the personal digital assistant can beconnected to a modem, enabling it to have electronic mail (e-mail)capabilities over the Internet along with other Internet capabilitiesover a wireless communication interface. Also, the personal digitalassistant can be coupled to a networking environment.

Typically, the personal digital assistant includes a data input devicesuch as a handwriting recognition device that can be utilized to controland operate the personal digital assistant. The handwriting recognitiondevice receives user input handwriting stroke data, whereas a userutilizes a stylus to stroke alphanumeric characters and analogcharacters (e.g., *, &, @, $, etc.) on the handwriting recognitiondevice. The handwriting recognition device processes the user inputhandwriting stroke data and transmits the processed data to anothercomponent (e.g., an electronic display device, a memory unit, aprocessor, etc.) of the personal digital assistant so that a particularoperation or function can be performed. Personal digital assistants areenormously popular, in part because of their handwriting recognitiondevice.

However, everyone does not use the handwriting device. Some potentialusers simply do not understand how the handwriting recognition deviceoperates. Other potential users have experimented with the handwritingrecognition device, but have been frustrated by not being able to getthe handwriting recognition device to work right away, leaving them withthe impression that the handwriting recognition device does not work forthem. Moreover, some potential users believe that their own handwritingis too hard for a human to read, much less a handwriting recognitiondevice. Other potential users feel that handwriting recognition is tooerror prone.

A software keyboard has been incorporated into the personal digitalassistant. The software or virtual keyboard is displayed on the touchsensitive electronic display device of the personal digital assistantwhen invoked by the user. Refer to prior art FIG. 1 for an example of asoftware keyboard on a personal digital assistant. The user utilizes astylus to select a particular keyboard character. Unfortunately, whenthe software keyboard 131 is displayed, the user experiences a markedreduction in the amount of space, on the touch sensitive electronicdisplay device 130, available to display data.

The company SOFTAVA has developed the product Slikyboard as a solutionfor the perceived problems with the handwriting recognition device. TheSilkeyboard includes a keyboard template that is positioned over thehandwriting recognition device. Thus, a user can tap on the appropriatelocation on the keyboard template to select and input a particularkeyboard character. Moreover, the user can stroke characters on thekeyboard template, causing the handwriting recognition device to detectand to recognize the stroked characters as particular alphanumericcharacters or particular analog characters. Refer to prior art FIG. 2for an example of a keyboard template 140 positioned on the touchsensitive display device 131. However, the Silkyboard has severaldisadvantages. First, the user finds it cumbersome, distracting,error-prone, difficult, and unintuitive to stroke characters over thekeyboard template. Secondly, the user becomes dependent on the keyboardtemplate rather than learning and employing the productivityenhancements of the handwriting recognition device, preventing the userfrom fully experiencing the power of the handwriting recognition device.

In addition, the company FTLab has developed the product Thumb Type as asolution for the perceived problems with the handwriting recognitiondevice. Now referring to FIG. 3, the Thumb Type includes a special sheethaving keyboard keys molded from high precision plastic and arrangedwith an approximate 6-millimeter (mm) pitch on the special sheet. Thisspecial sheet is positioned over the handwriting recognition device. TheThumb Type is designed so that the user holds the personal digitalassistant in both hands and types using both thumbs. If the user desiresto employ the handwriting recognition features of the handwritingrecognition device, the Thumb Type enables the user to display thehandwriting recognition feature on the touch sensitive electronicdisplay device of the personal digital assistant. Thus, the user canstroke characters on the touch sensitive electronic display devicerather than on the handwriting device, causing the handwritingrecognition device to detect and to recognize via the touch sensitiveelectronic display device. Besides the disadvantages discussed inconnection with the Silkyboard, the Thumb Type also has the disadvantagethat the handwriting recognition feature displayed on the touchsensitive electronic display device further reduces the productivityspace available for the user on the touch sensitive electronic displaydevice and interferes with normal viewing of the data displayed on thetouch sensitive electronic display device. Refer to prior art FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 for examples of thumb activated keyboards 120 coupled to apersonal digital assistant 100.

Despite the advancements of thumb activated typing devices for personaldigital assistants, there still exist many problems using keyboards withportable electronic devices. One prevalent concern of personal digitalassistant users that utilize thumb activated input devices is accuracy.Many of the thumb activated input devices are very small and the keys ofthe device are very close together to keep the device as compact aspossible. The result of the compact design is a tendency for users tounintentionally select the wrong key or multiple keys when using thedevice because these small keypads do not offer much tactile feedback asto key navigation. In addition, multiple keys are pressed because of therelatively small size of the keys with respect to the size of thefingers and thumbs. This leads to inaccuracy and ultimately loss ofefficiency. Often the user presses multiple keys at once.

Thus, there exists a need for a miniature keyboard that allows the userto accurately and confidently input the desired characters whilemaintaining a small and compact design that is desired by users anduseful for portable applications.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESEST INVENTION

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a miniaturekeyboard is disclosed to facilitate improved key differentiation anddata input. Embodiments of the present invention provide a device fordata entry with a portable electronic device such as a personal digitalassistant, a pager, a cell phone, etc. In addition, the presentinvention does not require special instructions or a ramp-up period asdo existing data entry devices for a personal digital assistant.

Embodiments of the present invention include a miniature keyboardwherein the keys are arranged in a way to improve navigation, data entryand decrease the chance of depressing multiple keys at a time. The keysare arranged in a way to keep the keyboard consistent with the compactfeatures of a personal digital assistant. Accordingly, the height of thekeys are patterned to decrease the chance of multiple key depressionsthus increasing the accuracy of data input into the personal digitalassistant.

More specifically, in one embodiment, the height of the keys isalternated down the individual rows of keys (e.g. some rows are raisedto improve tactile feedback to the user). In another embodiment, theheight of the keys is alternated across individual columns of keys.Similarly, in another embodiment, the height of the keys is patterned ina checkered pattern on the keyboard. In addition, another embodimentstaggers the keys and incorporates embodiments mentioned above. Byincorporating different key arrangements and alternating the height ofthe keys, key differentiation and data input accuracy is greatlyimproved. Key differentiation is improved because better tactilefeedback is provided when depressing keys. A point of reference isprovided thereby avoiding pressing multiple keys or improper keys.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a prior art system that illustrates the use of a QWERTYkeyboard template on an electronic device.

FIG. 2 is a prior art system that illustrates the use of a FITALYkeyboard template on an electronic device.

FIG. 3 is a prior art system that illustrates the use of a miniaturethumb-activated keyboard with an electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a prior art system that illustrates the use of a miniaturekeyboard with curved rows in conjunction with a personal digitalassistant.

FIG. 5 illustrates a network environment, including a handheldelectronic system coupled to a host computer system and the Internet Viaa cradle device, in which embodiments of the present invention can bepracticed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a logical circuit block diagram of a handheldelectronic system in which embodiments of the present invention can bepracticed.

FIG. 7 illustrates a keyboard having alternating columns of raised keysin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a keyboard having rows of keys that decrease inheight in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a keyboard having raised keys patterned in acheckered pattern in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a keyboard having alternating rows of raised keys inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a keyboard having raised and staggered keyspatterned in a checkered pattern in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a keyboard having staggered keys with raised heightthat form alternating diagonal columns of keys with similar height inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a keyboard having alternating rows of raised andstaggered keys in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 illustrates differences in height of keys on a keyboard havingalternating rows of raised keys in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates differences in height of a keyboard having themiddle row of keys raised in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates characteristics of a keyboard having rows of keysdecrease in height in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious toone of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Although the present invention may be implemented in a variety ofdifferent electronic systems such as a pager, a mobile phone, acalculator, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., one exemplaryembodiment includes the keyboard with a portable computing system. Itshould be understood that the descriptions corresponding to FIGS. 5-6provide general information about an exemplary portable computingsystem.

FIG. 1 illustrates a network environment 151, including a handheldelectronic system (e.g., personal digital assistant 100) coupled to ahost computer system and the Internet via a cradle device 160, in whichembodiments of the present invention can be practiced.

Network environment 151 comprises a host computer system 156 which caneither be a desktop computer system as shown, or, alternatively, can bea laptop computer system 158. Optionally, more than one host computersystem 156 can be used within network environment 151. Host computersystem 158 and 156 are shown connected to a communication bus 154, whichin one embodiment can be a serial communication bus, but could be of anyof a number of well known designs (e.g., a parallel bus, Ethernet LocalArea Network (LAN), etc.). In an embodiment, bus 154 can providecommunication with the Internet 152 using a number of well-knownprotocols.

Importantly, bus 154 is also coupled to a cradle 160 for receiving andinitiating communication with the personal digital assistant 100. Cradle160 provides an electrical and mechanical communication interfacebetween bus 154 (and any device coupled to bus 154) and the personaldigital assistant 100 for two-way communications. The personal digitalassistant 100 also contains a wireless inferred communication mechanism164 for sending information to other devices And for receivinginformation from other devices.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of exemplary circuitry of a portable computingsystem 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The computer system 100 includes a central processor for processinginformation and instructions. It is appreciated that central processorunit 101 may be a microprocessor or any other type of processor. Thecomputer system 100 also includes data storage features such as avolatile memory 102 (e.g., random access memory, static RAM, dynamicRAM, etc.) for storing information and instructions for the centralprocessor 101 and a non-volatile memory 103 (e.g., read only memory,programmable ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) for storing staticinformation and instructions for the processor 101. Computer system 100may also include an optional data storage device 104 (e.g., thin profileremovable memory) for storing information and instructions. It should beunderstood that data storage device 104 may be removable. Furthermore,device 104 may also be a secure digital (SD) card reader or equivalentremovable memory reader.

Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 6 is an alphanumeric inputdevice 106 which in one implementation is miniature keyboard asdescribed herein and may include integrated push buttons in oneembodiment.

System 100 of FIG. 6 also includes an optional cursor control ordirecting device 107 for communicating user input information andcommand selections to the central processor 101. In one implementation,device 107 is a touch screen device (also a digitizer) incorporated withscreen 105. Device 107 is capable of registering a position on thescreen 105.

Computer system 100 also contains a flat panel display device 105 fordisplaying information to the computer user. The display device 105utilized with the computer system 100 may be a liquid crystal device(LCD), cathode ray tube (CRT), field emission device (FED, also calledflat panel CRT), plasma or other display technology suitable forcreating graphic images and alphanumeric characters recognizable to theuser. In one embodiment, the display 105 is a flat panel multi-modedisplay capable of both monochrome and color display modes.

Also included in computer system 100 of FIG. 6 is a signal communicationdevice 108 that may be a serial port (or USB port) for enabling system100 to communicate PC 156. In one embodiment, the communicationinterface is a serial communication port, but could also alternativelybe of any of a number of well known communication standards andprotocols, e.g., parallel, SCSI, Ethernet, Firewire (IEEE 1394), USB,etc. including wireless communication.

A miniature keyboard having keys such that multiple ones could bepressed with a fingertip is described herein. FIG. 7 is an illustrationof personal digital assistant 100 that incorporates one embodiment ofthe present invention. Personal digital assistant 100 comprises aminiature keyboard consisting of raised keys 701 and low keys 702. Inthis configuration, the keys of different heights are arranged invertical rows across the miniature keyboard. The raised rows 701 and lowrows 702 are alternated across the miniature keyboard. By alternatingthe height of the rows of keys across the miniature keyboard, data inputaccuracy and navigation feedback are increased because the difference inkey height provides better key differentiation than a standard miniaturekeyboard. As more tactile feedback provided to the user, the easier theuser can depress the correct keys.

Additionally, in this embodiment or any of the following embodiments ofthe present invention, providing an audible tone when a key is pressedwould increase key navigation and differentiation. Optionally, the keyscould require different amounts of pressure to depress the keys thusfurther improving key differentiation and navigation.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the miniature keyboard comprises keysthat decrease in height from the top of the keyboard to the bottom ofthe keyboard. In this particular embodiment, the keys are four differentheights. On the top of the keyboard are the highest keys (“H”) 701. Nextis a medium height (“M”) of keys 801 that are a little lower than thetop row of keys. The third row of keys 802 is slightly lower (“F”) thanthe previous row. Lastly, row 702 is the lowest (“L”) of all the rows.By decreasing the height of the rows of keys, key differentiation anddata input accuracy is increased.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the height of the keys on the keyboard isalternated in a checkered pattern. High keys 701 and low keys 702 arealternated across the rows and down the columns of the keyboard. Byarranging the keys in a checkered pattern, it is less likely more thanone key will be depressed at once when data is entered. By decreasingthe chance of depressing more than one key at a time, the accuracy ofdata entry is increased and decreasing the chance of depressing morethan one key at a time increases key navigation feedback.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the keys of the keyboard are alternateddown the rows of keys. Each row has the same key height across the row,but the rows alternate between high row 701 and low row 702. Byalternating the height of alternating rows of keys, key differentiationis increased because it is less likely the fingertip will depressmultiple keys.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment 1100 of the miniature keyboard of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the keys are staggered with thekey height alternated across diagonal columns. High keys 701 and lowkeys 702 are alternated across each row resulting in diagonal rows ofequal height that slope to the left of the keyboard. By staggering thecolumns of keys and by alternating the height of the columns of keys,improved key differentiation is achieved.

FIG. 12 is another embodiment 1200 of the miniature keyboard of thepresent invention. This embodiment is similar to FIG. 11 wherein thekeys are staggered with key height alternated across the columns ofkeys. High keys 701 and low keys 702 are alternated across the rowsresulting in diagonal columns of keys sloping to the left that are thesame height. Similar to FIG. 11, by staggering the keys and byalternating the height of the diagonal columns of keys, keydifferentiation the accuracy of data input are greatly improved.

FIG. 13 is another embodiment 1300 of the miniature keyboard of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the keys are staggered and theheight of keys is alternated down the rows of keys with the middle rowbeing differentiated in height from the other rows. The rows of keys arealternated between high keys 701 and low keys 702. The combination ofstaggering the keys and alternating the height of the rows of keyscreates a keyboard with improved key differentiation and data input.Embodiment 1300 could also have the heights reversed wherein the middlerow was raised and the other rows were lowered relatively.

FIG. 14 illustrates characteristics 1400 of one embodiment of thepresent invention. This illustration shows a side view of a keyboardwith alternating rows of keys. In this illustration, low keys 702 are inthe middle of two rows of high keys 701. In this illustration, low keys702 are about half the height of high keys 701.

FIG. 15 also illustrates characteristics 1500 of one embodiment of thepresent invention. This illustration is a side view of a keyboardwherein the middle row of keys is raised above the other rows of keys.High row 701 is about two times the height of low rows 702.

FIG. 16 illustrates characteristics 1600 of one embodiment of thepresent invention. This illustration is a side view of a keyboardwherein the rows of keys decrease in height down the keyboard. In thisillustration, there are high keys 701 then middle height keys 1601 andlastly the low keys 702.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A miniature keyboard comprising: a plurality of keys for inputtingdata to a portable electronic device; wherein said keys of saidplurality of keys are individually sized such that multiple ones can bedepressed by a single finger tip depression; and wherein said keyscomprise at least one set of keys that are raised for providing keydifferentiation and to facilitate single key selection.
 2. A miniaturekeyboard as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of keys comprise afirst row of keys and a second row of keys and wherein the surface ofsaid first row of keys is raised above the surface of said second row ofkeys.
 3. A miniature keyboard as recited in claim 2 wherein said rowsdecrease in height from a top of said miniature keyboard to a bottom ofsaid miniature keyboard.
 4. A miniature keyboard as recited in claim 2wherein said rows increase in height from a top of said miniaturekeyboard to a bottom of said miniature keyboard.
 5. A miniature keyboardas recited in claim 2 wherein said plurality of keys is differentshapes.
 6. A miniature keyboard as recited in claim 2 wherein saidplurality of keys is arranged in substantially a QWERTY keyboardfashion.
 7. A miniature keyboard as recited in claim 2 wherein saidportable electronic device is a personal digital assistant.
 8. Aminiature keyboard as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of keyscomprise at least two columns of keys wherein the surface of a firstcolumn of keys is raised above a second column of keys.
 9. A miniaturekeyboard as recited in claim 8 wherein said columns decrease in heightfrom one side of said miniature keyboard to another side of saidminiature keyboard.
 10. A miniature keyboard as recited in claim 8wherein said plurality of keys is of different shapes.
 11. A miniaturekeyboard as recited in claim 8 wherein said plurality of keys isarranged in substantially a QWERTY keyboard fashion.
 12. A miniaturekeyboard as recited in claim 8 wherein said portable electronic deviceis a personal digital assistant.
 13. A miniature keyboard as recited inclaim 1 wherein said raised set of keys comprise a substantiallycheckered pattern on said miniature keyboard.
 14. A miniature keyboardas recited in claim 13 wherein said set of keys is of different shapes.15. A miniature keyboard as recited in claim 13 wherein said pluralityof keys is arranged in substantially a QWERTY keyboard fashion.
 16. Aminiature keyboard as recited in claim 13 wherein said portableelectronic device is a personal digital assistant.
 17. A keyboardarrangement as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of keys makes atone when pressed.
 18. A keyboard arrangement as recited in claim 1wherein said plurality of keys requires different amount of pressures todepress.
 19. A portable computer system comprising: a processor coupledto a bus; memory coupled to said bus; a miniature keyboard coupled tosaid bus and comprising: a plurality of keys for inputting data; whereinsaid keys are individually sized such that multiple ones can bedepressed by a single fingertip depression; and wherein said keys ofsaid plurality of keys comprise at least one set of keys that are raisedfor providing key differentiation and to facilitate single keyselection.
 20. A portable computer system as recited in claim 19 whereinsaid keys comprise at least two rows and wherein the surface of a firstrow of keys is raised above the surface of a second row of keys.
 21. Aportable computer system as recited in claim 20 wherein said rowsdecrease in height from a top of said miniature keyboard to a bottom ofsaid miniature keyboard.
 22. A portable computer system as recited inclaim 20 wherein said rows of said keys increase in height from a top ofsaid miniature keyboard to a bottom of said miniature keyboard.
 23. Aportable computer system as recited in claim 20 wherein said pluralityof keys is different shapes.
 24. A portable computer system as recitedin claim 20 wherein said plurality of keys is arranged in substantiallya QWERTY keyboard fashion.
 25. A portable computer system as recited inclaim 20 wherein said portable electronic device is a personal digitalassistant.
 26. A portable computer system as recited in claim 19 whereinsaid plurality of keys comprise at least two columns of keys wherein thesurface of a first column of keys is raised above a second column ofkeys.
 27. A portable computer system as recited in claim 26 wherein saidcolumns of said keys decrease in height from a side of said miniaturekeyboard to another side of said miniature keyboard.
 28. A portableelectronic device comprising: a processor coupled to a bus; a memorycoupled to said bus; a display screen coupled to said bus; and an inputmechanism comprising a plurality of keys that are individually sizedsuch that each individual key surface is substantially smaller than asurface of a single finger depression and wherein said plurality of keyscomprise a set of keys having surfaces raised relative to other keys ofsaid plurality of keys to facilitate key navigation and key selection.29. A portable electronic device as described in claim 28 wherein saidplurality of keys comprise alternating rows of keys of differing heightswith respect to adjacent rows.
 30. A portable electronic device asdescribed in claim 29 wherein said plurality of keys comprisealternating columns of keys of differing heights with respect toadjacent columns.
 31. A portable electronic device as described in claim29 wherein said plurality of keys comprise alternating key diagonals ofdiffering heights with respect to adjacent key diagonals.